(Sports Network) - Many people believed the Chiefs were just happy to be in the playoffs, and they way they played in this week's wild card game confirmed that was the case.

Kansas City had a slew of games fall in its favor during the final week of the regular season, and as a result, Herm Edwards' club found itself holding onto the final AFC postseason slot. However, what seemed like a a stroke of great luck turned to disappointment this past Saturday in Indianapolis, as the Chiefs were bounced out of tournament with a 23-8 loss.

All the matchup problems Larry Johnson and the KC running game were supposed to create for the suspect Colts defense never materialized and the Chiefs went down very quietly.

The Chiefs were outgained by the Colts on offense, 435-126, and Johnson was held to just 32 yards on 13 carries. L.J.'s day went so bad that KC cornerback Ty Law wound up with better numbers, as he gained 43 yards on two interception returns.

Kansas City was actually lucky to get the 126 yards of offense on Saturday because, for a while, the team couldn't move the ball at all. In fact, the Colts offense posted 23 first downs before the Chiefs picked up their first late in the third quarter.

"We couldn't run, we couldn't pass, we couldn't do anything," said Edwards.

Since Saturday's game, the media in Kansas City has had a field day blaming Edwards for the Chiefs' embarrassing performance at the RCA Dome, and they have just cause. Edwards didn't have his team prepared for the noise of the Indianapolis fans and some of his players even questioned the offensive strategy employed by the Chiefs.

"It is embarrassing," Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez said. "There's no way this offense should not be able to pick up a first down in a whole half. That's ridiculous as far as I'm concerned."

Kansas City may have paid the price Saturday for using a conservative offensive approach all season long. Johnson was called on way too many times in the regular season, and after posting an NFL-record 416 carries in the regular season, may have simply not had enough gas for the postseason.

Still, other people will say the Chiefs should never have pulled Damon Huard out of the starting quarterback position, when regular No. 1 Trent Green returned from a concussion. Green suffered the injury in Week 1 and Huard filled in beautifully over the next eight games, winning five of those tests and keeping KC's season alive.

Yet, whether or not Huard was allowed to hold onto the reins would not have changed Edwards' mind about how he wanted his offense to play. Edwards was prepared to ride Johnson as far as he would take the team. He wanted to play a ball control type of game, but obviously that didn't work because Indy had possession for 39 minutes and 23 seconds.

On the bright side, Saturday's debacle in Indiana should result in Edwards rethinking his vanilla offensive approach. Whether that means releasing offensive coordinator Mike Solari from his duties or simply opening up the passing attack, it should be clear that the offense needs to be less predictable.

IN THEIR DEFENSE

While many people will question Edwards' offensive philosophy, it was obvious on Saturday that he still knows how to get a defense prepared for a big game.

The Colts moved the ball well against KC all day, but struggled getting into the end zone and didn't score a touchdown until late in the third quarter.

"I think our defense, for the most part, held up in the first half but I think we were a little worn down defensively," said Edwards. "We had too many plays to withstand."

Kansas City did an excellent job of confusing Peyton Manning and even picked off the superstar quarterback three times in the first half. Manning would eventually have his way and ended up with 268 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Manning's old nemesis from the New England Patriots, Ty Law, had two of the interceptions to give him nine career picks against the Colts QB.

The Chiefs did struggle to stop Indy's rookie running back Joseph Addai, who rushed for 122 yards and a TD on 22 carries.

In the end, it wasn't an outstanding performance by the Chiefs defense, but that was to be expected since it was on the field for 80 plays.

OFFSEASON NEEDS

The Chiefs were surprised when perennial All-Pro tackle Willie Roaf retired just before this season and that may signal the beginning of the end for a KC offensive line that has been dominating over the past few seasons. That is, unless, the Chiefs decide to replenish that line through the draft or free agency.

Picking an offensive lineman in the first round is always a good idea, especially if Edwards wants to continue to run the ball 32 times a game with Johnson. Upgrading at the wideout position would also not be a bad idea for the rare occasion when the Chiefs decide to throw the ball.

Still, Edwards is a defensive guy and he would love to add some weapons to his side of the ball this offseason.

The selection of defensive end Tamba Hali with the 20th overall selection turned out well this year, as the former Penn State standout ended the year with a team-high eight sacks or a quarter of the team's 32 total sacks this year. The Chiefs could use another end to support Hali or possibly add a blitzing outside linebacker.

In reality, KC could stand to improve in every area on defense and will likely do so, as Edwards attempts to give his team a makeover.